Father’s Day and a Becoming Fools Related Anniversary

Coincidentally, June 16, 2013 was Father’s Day and a Becoming Fools related anniversary.

As I celebrate being a dad, I also reflect on the purpose of our film. A year ago, street youth performed alongside professional entertainers on a Broadway stage as part of the project “Becoming Fools.” Here is an excerpt from the opening narration:

“When I was a kid, it felt great when my parents came to watch me in a sport or play. Think back … Chances are, someone was there for you too, rooting you on with a smile. Someone was your number one fan, encouraging you to never give up.

But what if things were different?

What if … instead of rooting you on, your parents abused you … or what if they weren’t even there at all? How would that have changed your life? What opportunities would you have missed? For some, this “different reality”, really isn’t different. It’s all they’ve ever known …”

I am thankful for my dad and proud to be a father to my sons from Guatemala.

When I tuck my kids into bed at night, I’m reminded that many children in Guatemala—and around the world—do not have a bed to sleep in and may not have celebrated Father’s Day with their dads. That’s why we created “Becoming Fools,” to help make a difference.

Here’s a bonus feature, a scene from the Voz de las Calles Show.

Prodigal Clown – Scene – 03 from Athentikos on Vimeo.

The Implosion of Becoming Fools

A year ago today, we were in Guatemala documenting the implosion of Becoming Fools.

We were three days away from a big theatrical event called “Voz de las Calles”, which was the culmination of five months of rehearsals with street youth and professional entertainers. The road had not been entirely smooth. In fact, there were some major hurdles along the way. But, with the help of gracious volunteers, it looked like they were going to pull it off.

And then … three days before the show, the bottom dropped out …

One of the street youth with a leading role in the play had been in drug rehabilitation for a year. Three days before the show, he left his rehab and went back to the streets to consume drugs. My heart was broken. This guy wasn’t a “street youth” to me – he was a friend. I was rooting for him and his peers as they wrestled towards their goal of performing on a Guatemalan Broadway Stage.

A year ago today, we didn’t know if they would be able to pull it off. It seemed impossible:

  • Most of the cast were youth who still lived in the streets
  • The original director wrecked his motorcycle and couldn’t continue with the project
  • Funds had not been raised to pay for the theater rental
  • The cast had never finished the entire play in rehearsal
  • One of the lead characters left the show 3 days before the event
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The cast rehearses a symbolic scene where the hero is attacked by shadows.
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This is probably how Roberto, the theatrical director felt, as he tried to pull the show together in three days.
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Scott Moore documents the implosion of Becoming Fools, on his knees.
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A tired cast receives notes after rehearsal.
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The night ended with conflict as one of the cast members quit the show.

We didn’t know what would happen a year ago, but we all walked forward in faith .. Becoming Fools.

We captured a beautiful story that walks a tightrope between tragedy and comedy.

Fast forward to today …

We feel much like we did a year ago. It seems impossible.

We never raised the money needed to finish the film. But we believed in the project, so we subsidized it with our blood, sweat, tears, and personal savings.

The good news is that the film is finished.

The bad news is that so is our funding.

We need your help to share the story.

Will you join us in Becoming Fools and give a tax-deductible donation to help us release the film?

Give a tax-deductible donation.

 

Tamagochy

tamagochy_02

Tamagochy is a Guatemalan icon renowned for performing on the historic streets of Antigua, Guatemala. During our scouting trip in 2011, we saw him perform and were amazed by his creative talent. At first, we noticed the crowd gathered around him and wondered what was happening. As we approached to investigate, we quickly realized we were witnessing a master at work. Before we knew it, the crowd had drawn us in as more people joined behind us.

As a filmmaker, I pulled out my camera to capture his antics. Naturally, Tamagochy immediately engaged with me and invited me to join his performance. I remember thinking, “It would be fantastic if someone like him could be part of Becoming Fools.” However, at that time, we didn’t have a clear vision for the film. I didn’t want to extend an invitation in case it fell through. So, I chose to remain silent. Walking away without saying anything was difficult because I recognized Tamagochy’s potential. I regretted that decision for the rest of the scouting trip.

After getting home, I reviewed Tamagochy’s footage and once more felt a pang of regret for not reaching out to him. I couldn’t believe I had met him in person and failed to mention anything about the film. I didn’t get his contact information, nor did I ask him to sign a release form. As a result, this footage would never see the light of day. And then…

About a month after returning home, I received an email from Tamagochy …

He heard about the Becoming Fools project and wanted to help. I sat there in awe of what had just happened. I hadn’t said a word and had no idea how to contact him. But that didn’t matter; Tamagochi reached out to us!

Tamagochy is an outstanding talent. However, he did not approach his role with arrogance. Instead, he joined the team as a humble servant, volunteering his time because he recognized the challenges the youth were facing. He has proven to be an invaluable asset to both the street youth and the Becoming Fools story.

If you are ever in Antigua, Guatemala, make sure you take some time to enjoy his street performance … When he passes the hat, tip him well, knowing that you are helping an incredible artist continue to make the world a better place.

Here’s a scene from the Becoming Fools Theatrical event with Tamagochy and Toñito – both are featured in the documentary, Becoming Fools.

Prodigal Clown – Scene 2